Definition
A training maneuver in which the instructor creates a pretend emergency — most often by retarding the throttle to idle to simulate engine failure — and the pilot must select a suitable landing area, plan an approach, and fly toward it as if a real forced landing were required. The maneuver is normally terminated at a safe altitude before actual touchdown, unless conducted to a runway.
Plain English
It is a practice run for a real emergency landing. The instructor pulls the power and the pilot has to pick a field, set up the approach, and fly the pattern as if the engine had really quit, stopping before getting too low.
Context Anchor
Seen in emergency approach and landing training, especially when practicing what to do if the engine stops producing normal power.
Derivation
Simulated comes from the Latin simulare, meaning to imitate or pretend. The word signals that the emergency is not real — the airplane is fine — but every other action the pilot takes should be treated as if it were.
Why Pilots Care
It builds the exact habits and decision-making needed for a real engine-out situation so the pilot can act quickly and correctly if an actual emergency occurs.
Intuition Check
Do not read simulated as “not serious.” The emergency condition is practiced, but the flying, planning, and safety decisions are real.
Example Sentence 1
During the lesson, the instructor pulled the throttle to idle and announced a simulated emergency landing, leaving the student to pick a field and set up the approach.
Example Sentence 2
During the simulated emergency landing the pilot maintained best glide speed and chose a suitable field while continuing to troubleshoot.